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For a different set of games that I haven't seen so far in this thread: 1. Secret Hitler (or maybe Avalon, which is the strategically marginally richer, but ha
by maest 4y ago
For a different set of games that I haven't seen so far in this thread:
1. Secret Hitler (or maybe Avalon, which is the strategically marginally richer, but harder to pick up, cousin of Secret Hitler). It's a highly adversarial, intense and fun game. The main downside is that you can't have a relaxed game of Secret Hitler and it tends to expand to take up the whole night (people always want one more game).
2. Code names; more relaxed game, fun even when losing. The main drawback is that it's language focused and everyone needs to have a good command of the English language (at least in the base version of the game), which can be a problem in more international groups.
3. Chinatown; easy to pick up and play even for people with no board games experience. The core of the game involves bargaining with other players and trying to strike various deals to trade resources. The game is designed in such a way that you rarely feel like you're losing - all trades generate surplus for both parties, so the core activity of trading feels very satisfying.
I have introduced the games above to multiple groups and, generally, everyone loved all of them. The one exception being Secret Hitler, as some people found it a bit daunting at first or didn't enjoy the intensity of the game. (on the flip side, others absolutely loved it)
- kelseyfrog 4y agoWhat a fun set. I played Avalon with workmates for years. It really shines with seven and there's nothing like teaching techy/engineering types to lie and detect lies with impunity.
- choult 4y agoWe used to play Avalon at a previous job every single lunch time - so much so I made observations that led to a TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/r4YYxQZenVU https://youtu.be/r4YYxQZenVU
- snicky 4y agoSecret Hitler and Avalon are so intense they can literally break relationships or cause months-long disputes between friends. I love it :)
- archi42 4y agoIf you want to burn bridges, try a friendly game of Diplomacy. Tip: Start early, like 9 or 10 a.m. on a Saturday. Also, I can tell you from experience, being the only Cylon (traitor) in BSG and talking all the Humans (non-traitors) into putting every. single. Human. into the ship's brig (except you) will cause them to be less excited to play that kind of game with you - but it's hilarious and the look on everyone's face once they realize they're screwed is totally worth it. IIRC after that I didn't survive many rounds of Secret Hitler, independently of allegiance. But that's cool.
- cshimmin 4y agoLove secret Hitler, but I do regret the theme (someone has to actually RP as Hitler...) Was thinking of getting it for my sister who lives in Munich, but I wonder how people in Germany feel about this casual Nazi game? Luckily, one of the coolest aspects of SH is that's it's licenced under Creative Commons! So you can just download and print the rules and paper version of all the game pieces, right from their official webpage. This means there has been a vibrant community of modders who have made e.g. a star wars themed version. For this reason alone, you should still go buy it! But I wish there was an officially licensed alternative like "Secret Palpatine" or something.
- vintermann 4y agoThere are other games in the genre. "The Resistance" and its King Arthur-themed cousin "Avalon" are responsible for a good deal of the revival in popularity of Mafia-style social deduction games. They are both definitively German-safe. I've also had fun with "Two rooms and a boom" in settings with more players.